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After 52 long years of war, Colombia finally has peace. After 4 years of peace talks in Cuba between the Colombian government and FARC, the 5-decade long conflict has come to a close. Colombia has experienced a painful conflict that has killed an estimated 260,000 people and displaced over 6 million people.  However, the most crucial step is yet to come – on October 2, the country will hold a referendum on whether to accept the peace agreements.

“Never again will parents be burying their sons and daughters killed by war,” said the leader of FARC Rodrigo ‘Timochenko’ Londono. “All rivalries and grudges will remain in the past.”

“We are closing one of the most painful chapters in Colombian history,” tweeted an emotional Juan Manuel Santos. “This ceasefire is a historic step towards peace.”

Throughout the conflict, trade unionists have been murdered, persecuted and stigmatized for their activism, yet still have managed to contribute to the establishment of peace in the country.

“Through its work in Colombia, UNI has contributed to the peace process. UNI’s permanent work in Colombia has helped to create and strengthen social dialogue and democracy through collective bargaining and organizing,” said Regional Secretary of UNI Americas Adriana Rosenzvaig. “UNI Americas has worked with its affiliates to underline the importance of the peace agreement to Colombian citizens and workers. At all of our meetings, there has been huge support and solidarity for the peace process.”

“We hope now that after the signing of the peace agreements, fundamental changes can be made to ensure the country can find lasting peace,” said general secretary of UNI Global Union Philip Jennings.

“This is a chance to write a new chapter in Colombian history – a chapter based on social inclusion, democracy, labour rights, elimination of poverty, and most importantly, peace. Only with peace can we start making real changes.”

UNI Americas has been working to increase union density in a variety of different sectors in Colombia. In the Commerce sector, UNI has supported union growth at stores such as Cencosud, Sodimac and Falabella. UNI Finance, and other UNI sectors have emphasised the importance of global framework agreements to bring about respect for rights in Colombia.  G4S has signed a country specific agreement to implement the GFA with UNI, which resulted in a recent breakthrough in organising led by a courageous and tireless group of activists. Our work in Prosegur, which refuses to sign a GFA, has increased union density with workers bravely opposing their anti-union policies. There have also been significant increases in membership in the Graphical and Packaging sector, particularly at Kimberley Clark. Another great success for UNI’s work in Colombia is UNICARE’s organizing campaigns in various multinational corporations in the country.

UNI Americas will hold its regional conference in Medellin in December where there will be special sessions on Colombia to discuss the development of civil society and to honour the courage of the Colombian people. There will be a ceremony celebrating the end of the war and an homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for a peaceful Colombia.